CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Swagger, the 145-pound bull mastiff that ran out of the tunnel before the Browns for every game at FirstEnergy Stadium from 2014 until last October, passed away after a battle with cancer and a stroke. He was 6 years old.
Justin McLaughlin, the son of Swagger’s owners, Fred and Debby McLaughlin, confirmed the news with a Facebook post.
“Today was not expected.. 😥 Swagger unfortunately has passed away completely unexpected this afternoon,” the post read. “Alot of people did not know Swagger had been dealing with cancer for the past year. Today he had a stroke and it took his life.. 😥 We will always remember him as the most loving dog we have ever encountered. His love was felt by thousands of people literally all over the world!!! 🙌🏼❤️"
The Browns announced Swagger’s retirement in October, but didn’t disclose the dog’s health issues at the time. Swagger made his final run with the Browns on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019 before Cleveland’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Swagger’s son, Swagger Jr., took over for his father starting on Nov. 10, 2019 prior to Cleveland’s win over the Buffalo Bills.
The McLaughlin family is asking for prayers at this time.
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